Episode Summary: Michelle Bennett

1. Best Coaching Advice Received

• “Make the implicit explicit.” Pause the moment and name what’s not being said.
• “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Use client frustration to invite reflection and reframe.
• Moments of tension are often invitations for deeper understanding, not obstacles.
• Great coaching is about holding space and gently guiding insight—not forcing it.
• Key insight: Learn to stop, notice, and ask “what’s really going on here?”

2. Still Improving in Coaching

• Main focus: Working on herself to grow as a coach.
• Strives for congruence between values, beliefs, and behavior.
• Wants to respond vs. react—particularly when under stress or lacking sleep.
• Practices pausing and reflection, using “Stop, Breathe, Think, Act” (from SCUBA training).
• Committed to maintaining presence and awareness, even during challenging moments.

3. Most Outrageous Coaching Move

• Doesn’t see herself as “outrageous,” but has grown more flexible with time.
• Used to strictly follow coaching rules—now plays creatively within the guardrails.
• Embraces applied improvisation (Yes, and…) in team workshops.
• Developed an improv-based exercise progressing from “No, but” → “Yes, but” → “Yes, and.”
• Integrates play and embodiment to help teams move from resistance to collaboration.

4. What Still Makes Her Uncomfortable

• Silence. Used to feel awkward and overthink during pauses.
• Now more comfortable—relies on observation (e.g., body language) to determine when to re-engage.
• Learned silence can be powerful and productive, especially when used intentionally.
• Coaches herself to avoid jumping in too quickly.
• Uses curiosity and visual cues to guide next steps.

5. Advice for New Coaches

• Study nonviolent communication (Marshall Rosenberg).
• Focus on unmet needs as the root of emotional responses.
• Ask: “What need, if fulfilled, would change how you feel right now?”
• Helps clients slow down, reflect, and better understand their own emotions.
• Recognizes empathy as a foundational tool—both for self-awareness and coaching impact.

6. Challenge Conquered on the Path to Coaching

• Had to dial down her task-focused, checklist-driven scientist brain.
• Used to skip over small talk—now intentionally builds relationships.
• Has trained herself to add warmth and connection to communication.
• Sees this shift as authentic personal growth, not just behavioral adjustment.
• Believes her relationship side is now integrated—not just “an add-on.”

7. Using AI in Coaching

• Exploring how AI can assist in workshop design and experiential learning.
• Uses prompts to help create exercises that illustrate coaching principles (e.g., ladder of inference).
• Finds AI helpful but still in early experimentation phase.
• Appreciates others’ creativity with AI and is learning through observation.
• Believes AI will help her expand her impact beyond her current reach.

8. What She’s Learned About Herself Through Coaching

• She’s been living to meet others’ expectations—and is now learning who she truly is.
• Coaching has helped her drop the masks and embrace her authentic self.
• Less afraid to experiment, take risks, and “just try stuff.”
• Feels like she’s in a stage where everything is starting to click.
• Embracing “not knowing” and trusting her voice—hallmarks of personal transformation.